First, I want to say thank you to Nico du Plessis and the outgoing board. Running a volunteer club is hard work. They kept Rebels moving through some genuinely difficult years, and that matters. What we're stepping into is better because of what they built.
I'm a Rebels parent first. I got involved because I watched what this club does for kids and I wanted to help keep it going. I'm not here to change who we are. I'm here to make sure more families have access to what Rebels offered my own.
What this board stands for is simple: community first. Every kid has a place here. We want every player to dream big about where rugby can take them. But first and always, we're a place where kids make friends, build confidence, and learn what it means to be part of a team. That's what we're going to keep protecting.
But we need you to make it work. Show up to matches. Volunteer for one shift. Forward this email to a family who hasn't tried the sport yet. Or just reply and tell us what you think. We're listening.
Rebels parent, incoming President, and U8 assistant coach. Committed to keeping this club grounded in community and making sure every kid feels welcome on the pitch.
josh@rebelsrugbyga.com
Continuing his service to the club, now as VP. Darren brings governance continuity as a longtime Rebels family, former club Secretary, and assistant coach. Three of his five kids, Monroe, Harry, and Arden, have come up through the Rebels program.
darren@rebelsrugbyga.com
Rebels parent, U14 coach, and now Treasurer. Four seasons in, Grant brings a lifelong love of the game and is focused on building a strong, sustainable club for our kids as they grow toward 2031 and beyond.
grant@rebelsrugbyga.com
Rebels parent and incoming Secretary. Aubree joined the rugby world this year through her son Jude's U8 team and is passionate about helping the club grow and thrive.
aubree@rebelsrugbyga.com
Rebels parent and returning Communications lead. With the club since its 2017 consolidation. Her youngest, Maddox, is a Walton HS sophomore playing loose head prop and JV captain on the HS Boys side. Also working on projects to connect the broader Georgia rugby community.
kim@rebelsrugbyga.comGeneral questions: info@rebelsrugbyga.com
As we announce our new Board of Directors, we want to take a special moment to express our deepest gratitude to our outgoing President, Nico du Plessis. Nico has been a cornerstone of Rebels Rugby for a decade, serving with unwavering dedication as both Vice President and President. Much of what our club is today is thanks to his persistence in those early days to get things moving and his vision for taking the club "to the next level."
Nico's impact has been felt far beyond our home pitch. His deep ties and commitment have strengthened our relationships locally with the City of Roswell, nationally through his work with USA Rugby and tournaments like Ruggerfest, and internationally through his connections to the global rugby community. His family has been his biggest support system on and off the field.
From leading the charge for our legendary Saturday night socials at Ruggerfest, to spearheading recruitment in the Johns Creek area, to securing our early-day sponsors, Nico has served this club incredibly well. While he may be stepping down from the board, we know he'll always be a Rebel at heart. We look forward to seeing him on the sidelines, cheering just as loudly as one of our first and most passionate fans.
Thank you, Nico, for everything!
As we transition to our new Board of Directors, we want to share a few words of appreciation for two more pivotal figures who are stepping down from their board roles.
Sarah is the definition of a dedicated leader, having "worn two hats and worn them well" during her tenure. Her meticulous work managing the books and her clear, consistent board communications have given our club a solid foundation to build upon. Beyond her administrative roles, Sarah has also been a passionate volunteer coach and a key driver of our youth rugby initiatives. The Giles Knopp investment in this club doesn't stop with Sarah. Her husband Gareth has long been part of the club's coaching ranks and may continue to lend a hand. Sarah's efforts have been instrumental in making this leadership transition as seamless as possible, and we're grateful her family will continue to be part of the Rebels story.
Bob has been the quiet force behind the scenes for years, ensuring that every practice and match day ultimately came together. From complex field setup, club/coach/med/ref alignment, and gear logistics to the countless moving pieces that parents and players never had to worry about. Even as he reaches his term limit, his commitment remains as strong as ever, and he continues to support the club as a volunteer. Bob, you've more than earned this break. Thank you for your tireless dedication.
Thank you, Bob and Sarah, for your incredible service to the Rebels!
This newsletter is the first step. Our goal is regular updates, a cleaner website, and a direct line to the board for every family.
This is where kids fall in love with the sport. We're investing time here so every young player has a reason to come back next season.
Our older players have built something real. We're going to keep supporting that work.
A volunteer-run club works when families show up. We need more hands, and we'll be specific about what we need and when.
We're working on some behind-the-scenes organizational work to strengthen the club's long-term stability. More on that when there's something concrete to share.
Listed in order, soonest first. Confirmed dates are locked. Tentative dates are in planning, we'll confirm as we get closer.
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May 13
Touch Tuesdays — Starts May 13Casual touch rugby, Tuesdays through July 4. All levels welcome. Roswell Area Park, time TBD. More programming details coming.
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Mid-Aug
Back-to-School Try-Rugby / Open HouseUsually mid-August, when the back-to-school dust settles. Get your kids out to shake off the jitters. Free, no-contact. Bring any family who's curious.
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Early Sept
Preseason ConditioningExact date TBD.
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Sept 5*
Irish Ruggerfest — Nashville, TNFall 7s season opener at Giacosa Stadium, Father Ryan HS. Early-season tournament for HS players.+ Add to calendar (tentative)
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Sept TBD
Fall Season OpenerDate TBD.
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Oct 3
Frances McGahee Parade. Players and parents march in Rebels kits. Don't miss it.+ Add to calendar
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Oct 31*
Halloween 7s — Knoxville, TNTennessee Rugby Park. All-day youth 7s event on the last Saturday in October. Fun one for families.+ Add to calendar (tentative)
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Dec 5–6*
Greer Christmas 7s — Greer, SCEnd-of-fall 7s festival in South Carolina. A great season closer before the holiday break.+ Add to calendar (tentative)
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Mid-Late Dec
Christmas PJ Party & Open HouseOur annual holiday gathering, combined with an open house. PJs welcome. Bring a curious family. Details TBD.
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Feb 27–28*
Winter War Ruggerfest — Nashville, TN (15s)Father Ryan HS. One-day 15s festival, good prep event before Carolina Ruggerfest.+ Add to calendar (tentative)
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Late Feb 2027
Mecklenburg County SportsPlex. 80+ teams, U14 through HS boys and girls. Our must-do 15s anchor, plan for a full weekend away.
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Aug 2027
Annual General Meeting 2027Per club bylaws, held in August.
* Likely but unconfirmed. Dates based on prior-year patterns.
Team Managers / Team Moms, our top need. Our most pressing open role is a Lead Team Manager to coordinate across all our squads, with a Team Manager (or Team Mom, by any name) for each team. These are the parents who keep families looped in and hold the team together off the pitch. If this sounds like you, or someone in your circle, hit reply.
Volunteer at an upcoming match. We need parent leads for events this season. Reply to this email and we'll connect you with what's needed.
Coach assistants for U8 and U10. No rugby experience required. Training is provided. Just bring patience and a willingness to show up.
Stock the cooler. We run mobile concessions at every gathering. Grab a case of water or sports drinks on your weekly grocery run and drop it off at practice. All proceeds go directly to the club.
Bring a family who hasn't tried the sport yet. Forward this email. Invite them to Touch Tuesdays. Let the sport do the rest.
Ideas? Concerns? Just want to say hi? Reply to this email. Or reach out to any board member directly. We are actually reading this.
The first committees taking shape: Director of Rugby (school outreach, youth growth, registration), Marketing & Communications (sponsorships, social, events), and Volunteer Coaches & Advisors. Want a heads-up when these and other roles open? We'll email you when there's a real ask.
I'm Ready, Sign Me UpThis newsletter and our social channels are for club-wide updates and community moments. Reply to any board email for team-specific questions.
Tag all your rugby moments with #RebelsRugbyGA